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Short Stay Management of Atrial Fibrillation pp 145–173Cite as

Pitfalls in the Acute Management of Atrial Fibrillation

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Part of the book series: Contemporary Cardiology ((CONCARD))

Abstract

The evaluation and management of atrial fibrillation is complex, and errors can lead to patient harm. Pitfalls to avoid are numerous—incorrect diagnosis can lead to improper treatment or omission of appropriate therapies, inappropriate management of anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation (AF) places the patient at risk of debilitating stroke or bleeding complications, and injudicious use of antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy can risk dangerous pro-arrhythmic side effects. Furthermore, direct current cardioversion carries its own unique procedural risks. The astute clinician will be aware of potential mistakes and, by avoiding them, will deliver safe and optimal patient care. This chapter will highlight potential errors in AF care.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA

    David E. Winchester MD, MS, FACP, FACC

  2. Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

    Michael R. Kaufmann MD

  3. Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA

    Matthew S. McKillop MD & William M. Miles MD

Authors
  1. David E. Winchester MD, MS, FACP, FACC
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  2. Michael R. Kaufmann MD
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  3. Matthew S. McKillop MD
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  4. William M. Miles MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to David E. Winchester MD, MS, FACP, FACC .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine Baylor College of Medicine, HOUSTON, Texas, USA

    W. Frank Peacock

  2. Department of Emergency Medicine, Beaumont Health System, William Beaumont Hospital, William Beaumont School of Medicine, Oakland University, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA

    Carol L. Clark

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Winchester, D.E., Kaufmann, M.R., McKillop, M.S., Miles, W.M. (2016). Pitfalls in the Acute Management of Atrial Fibrillation. In: Peacock, W., Clark, C. (eds) Short Stay Management of Atrial Fibrillation. Contemporary Cardiology. Humana Press, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31386-3_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31386-3_14

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